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The STARtrek Science Show -- 'Beaming' tutors/mentors
into regional schools
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Russell Elsegood,
STAR Peer Tutoring Programme,
Murdoch University,
Western Australia.
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The Challenge -- The Tyranny of Distance and Equity
When the STAR Peer Tutoring Programme was launched in 1994 an early
challenge was how to offer peer support to students in regional and remote
schools -- bearing in mind that Western Australia covers 2.5 million square
kilometres. To put that in geographical terms, W.A. is ten times the area of the
UK and nearly four times larger than Texas; stretches more than 2,000kms
from north to south, with 13,000 kilometres of coastline -- and with more than
three-quarters of its 1,750,000 inhabitants living in the Perth metropolitan
area.
The challenge was more than conquering the 'tyranny of distance'. It was to
offer equity to students who are not only isolated geographically but who, in
many cases, can be isolated from positive peer support.
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About the
Author
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Russell Elsegood has been working with student peer tutors for the past ten years -- having first
enlisted their involvement in the WA Science Summer School. The Science/Technology
Awareness Raising (STAR) Peer Tutoring Programme at Murdoch University is an adaptation of
the Pimlico Connection at Imperial College, London. Although a graduate in history and
politics, and a journalist by training, Russell has worked in partnership with BP to raise greater
awareness of science and technology, and to promote the value of students as peer tutors/mentors.
Coming from a family with strong country roots, Russell takes a particular interest in offering
tutoring and mentoring support to students in rural and regional areas of Western Australia.
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Contact Details
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STAR Peer Tutoring Programme, Murdoch University,
South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150,
Tel +61 8 9360 6650 Fax +61 8 9310 2676
e-mail: elsegood@central.murdoch.edu.au
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